Improve Mental Health. Stop Suicide | PennLive Letters

On June 10-13, 2018, I traveled to Washington, D.C. along with more than 225 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) advocates from all 50 states to educate Congress on priority areas to help improve mental health and prevent suicide. We provided information to all 535 Congressional offices urging them to support legislation in five key areas that would play a vital role in preventing suicide and improving mental health across the country:

Increased Funding for Suicide Prevention Research

Insurance Coverage for Mental health and Substance Use Conditions

Military and Veteran Suicide Prevention

Preservation of Funding for Suicide Prevention Programs within SAMHSA and CDC

Increased Funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255 [TALK]) and Crisis Centers

This subject is very important to me because I lost my nephew, Christopher, to suicide on February 1, 2014.

I have dedicated my time to educating others about suicide prevention and mental health. In meeting with Members of Congress, it's our collective goal to affect real change in our government and further our mission to stop suicide. Let's make mental health as important as physical health and continue to bring hope to those affected by suicide.